MPP Todd Smith requests an extension on wind project review process

December 14, 2011 at 3:58 pm

By Nicole Kleinsteuber

Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Todd Smith wants to extend public consultations on the Gilead Power project proposed for Prince Edward County.

The Ministry of Environment posted the project proposal to its website on November 30 allowing the public to comment until Jan 29, 2012.

Smith has sent a request to the Ministry of Environment and Environment Minister Jim Bradley asking them to allow public input until April 1.

“We’re hoping we can delay the process until we can get some scientific evidence and mount another campaign for the people of the county,” said Smith.

Smith said he doesn’t know of any new scientific studies being conducted in the province.

“Right now the government isn’t ordering any health studies,” said Smith. “We’re going to keep putting pressure on the government to do proper epidemiological health studies.”

Smith’s request comes just weeks after Bob Runciman, the senator for Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, presented a motion in the Senate calling for a moratorium on wind energy projects stretching from Wolfe Island to Prince Edward County.

Gilead Power began planning the project for Ostrander Point on the South Shore of Prince Edward County in 2006.

“We’ve received a tremendous number of comments in support and some in opposition since we started the project and we’ve done our best to respond to them all,” said Mike Lord vice president of project development at Gilead. “We’re pleased that the ministry has reviewed our application, deemed it complete and posted it on the registry for public comment.”

Kate Jordan, a communications representative from the Ministry of Environment said the ministry hasn’t received Smith’s request yet.

“When we do, we will consider the comments and concerns,” said Jordan. “Then we will respond appropriately.”